10 Tips When Dealing with a Water Damage Loss

7/25/2019 (Permalink)

Experiencing a water loss can be a traumatic time for you or your business. In Abilene Texas we experience all types of water damage situations. We wanted to put together a free guide of 10 things that walks you through the process of what to focus on if you have a water loss in your home or business. 

1. Assess the situation: It is critical to look over the situation and see exactly what you are dealing with. It is critical to make sure that you take plenty of photographs of the damage and make sure that the source of what caused the damage is well documented. It is extremely important to make sure you do not walk or enter the water if the power is still on in the home or business. Currently it is proper to check with your insurance company to see what type of coverage you have.

2. Check was is wet throughout the damaged area: With the use of moisture meters and other devices, you can begin to see what is wet and not wet. It is critical that you map out the damage and affected area. This can be an important part of the documentation process. 

3. Begin the water extraction process: The first step after the documentation has begun, is to get the water removed as soon as possible. If the water sits for too long, it can begin to create secondary damages. Water can be removed by using portable or truck mount extractors. Portables will take more time, and the truck mounts are much faster and efficient. 

4. Begin to remove damaged materials that can’t be dried and ventilate enclosed areas: Once all the water has been extracted, certain flood cuts and other vent holes might be necessary. This is to allow air flow in closed off spaces. If no ventilation is allowed secondary damage can occur inside the walls. Many times, if you are dealing with sewage water more flood cuts will be necessary. Try to take as many before and after photos as well. 

5. Start to place air movers and dehumidifiers throughout the home or facility: The proper amount of equipment is critical when drying out a structure. It is important to make sure that all the guidelines of the IICRC are followed to insure proper drying times. Be sure to continue to take plenty of photographs of the equipment in place on the job. 

6. Monitor the drying process daily: Every 24 hours it is critical to make sure that you are checking the facility to make sure that it is drying. Sometimes there might be a delay in the drying process due to the source of the damage not being corrected. If that is the case it will need to be corrected so proper drying can occur. Be sure to document the drying data each day for accurate records. 

7. Remove Equipment: Once the home or building is dry all the equipment can be removed. It is important to make sure the right cleaning products are used to clean up the affected area. This will keep other secondary issues from happening as well. 

8. Document with more photos: After the job is complete, be sure to document with more photos. This will keep accurate records for your insurance company from start to finish. You can never take too many photos when dealing with a water loss. 

9. Begin the reconstruction process: Once everything is dry you can begin to put the pieces back together. In some situations, you might have to hire a contractor to do specific tasked like repair damaged drywall from the water. Be sure to continue to document any and all work on your home or business. 

10. Keep complete records on file: After the entire job is complete, be sure to keep all your records on backup. This can be valuable in case of any secondary damages in the future. 

SERVPRO of Abilene can handle any water damage job from start to finish. It is critical to make sure you understand the steps mentioned above. SERVPRO has the team and equipment to handle any size job and make sure that it is properly documented along the way. If you have any questions or need emergency services you can call SERVPRO of Abilene, 24/7 at (325)672-5661.